WHAT IS TAE KWON DO?

Tae Kwon Do is action philosophy. It is the Korean art of self-defense. Literally translated, TAE means kick or to strike with the foot, KWON means fist or to strike with the hand, DO means discipline or art. It is much more than the image of the martial arts physical aspect. It is designed as a non-violent art and system of complete body exercises as well as being a way of life. It includes physical techniques, mental discipline, and a deep philosophy. By practicing Tae Kwon Do, one can benefit in these ways;

PHYSICALLY - One can develop good coordination, gain strength, increase flexibility, and improve cardiovascular conditioning. From all of these physical practices, one can have a strong body.MENTALLY - One can build self-confidence, gain better judgement, and improve self-control. From all of these mental disciplines, one can have a sound mind.

PHILOSOPHICALLY - While developing a strong body and a sound mind, it is appropriate to learn the valuable philosophical tools and lessons in life offered by Tae Kwon Do philosophy. Among these lessons:

Incorporating these aspects into one's life will build for them; the ability to be strong, to be humble, to be gentle, and to maintain self-respect.Tae Kwon Do philosophy emphasizes good health, happiness, generosity, and a sense of value of freedom, justice, and peace. All of these inspire independence and coexistence.

Tae Kwon Do is an art of humanity. It is a guide for the formation of outstanding character. It is practiced as a modern world sport. It is useful as a contemporary universal philosophy.

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Belt System

Belt Color - Scoring* - Korean Rank
White - Beginner - Mu Gup
Yellow - Possible 4 or 3 score - 8th Gup
Orange - Possible 2 or 1 score - 7th Gup
Low Green - 4 or 3 - 6th Gup
High Green - 2 or 1 - 5th Gup
Low Blue - 4 or 3 - 4th Gup
High Blue - 2 or 1 - 3rd Gup
Low Red - 4 or 3 - 2nd Gup
High Red 2 or 1 - 1st Gup
Black 1st - 9th degree 1st - 9th dan

*The scoring system of 4/3/2/1 within a belt level designates rank within that belt color.
One is the highest score that can be obtained within a particular belt color and 4 is the lowest. Your belt score helps determine your ranking in relation to other students.

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Tae Kwon Do Terminology (Korean)

Do Jang -> Practice Room

Dobak -> Uniform

Cha Dyet -> Attention Stance - heals together with toes apart; look straight ahead

Kyung Nay -> Bow - 45 degree angle, eyes cast down. The bow is a show of respect.

Choom Be -> Ready Stance - feet shoulder width apart; look straight ahead; fists are waist high and about one fist length away from your body; whole body is strong, muscles tight; done before an exercise

Ba Roe -> Ready Stance - same as Choom Be; done after an exercise

Show -> Relax - straighten uniform (dobak) if necessary

See Cha -> Start an exercise as no-count

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Basic Manners

- Bow upon entering and leaving the practice room - in the doorway, facing the room.

- Bow to black belts as a greeting (& shake hands); also upon leaving.

- Be repectful of others, especially seniors (seniors in rank and in age)

-When lining up, do not walk throught the lines - walk around the lines instead.

-When resting, in between activities, sit on the floor with legs crossed, or stretch.

-Do not sit in the chairs or sit leaning against the walls.

-No jewelry should be worn during class for safety's sake.

- Handshake only when offered hand by higher rank

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Form Names (Korean Numbers)

White Belt Form = Key Bon Ill Chang
Yellow Belt Form= #1 - IL
Yellow-Green = #2 - Ei
Low Green = #3 - Sum
High Green = #4 - Sa
Low Blue = #5 - Oh
High Blue = #6 - Yuc
Low Red = #7 - Chil
High Red = #8 - Pal
#9 - Gu
#10 - Ship

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Korean Counting

1 - Hana
2 - Tul
3 - Set
4 - Net
5 - Tasot
6 - Yosot
7 - Ilgop
8 - Yodol
9 - Ahop
10 - Yol
11 - Yol Ha-na
20 - Sumul
21 - Sumul Ha-na
30 - Sorun
100 - Baik
101 - Baik Ha-na

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Senior Master & Master Instructors

THE BELOW RANKING PROVIDED BY GOOD KWAN JUNG NIM

9th Dan - Grand Master Tae Zee Park

7th Dan - Junior Grand Master Instructors

Richard Warren - Jackson, MI
Mark D Good - Grand Rapids, MI

6th Dan - Senior Master Instructors

Tom Hallin - Jackson, MI
Lynn Bernard - Pinedale, WY
Madeline Rugh PhD - Norman, OK
Ed Rugh - Norman, OK
Robert Barss - Grand Rapids, MI
Brian Anderson - Hillsdale, MI
Peter May - Jackson, MI
Sidney Singer - Lansing, MI
Dennis Lewis - Union City, TN
Mike Huff - Ypisilanti, MI
James Rodgers - Jackson, MI
Bill Tetro - Hudsonville, MI
Constance Ensing - Comstock Park, MI
Bill Golombisky - Blanchard, MI

5th Dan - Master Instructors

Bruce Park Sr. - Brooklyn, MI
Patrick Horrigan - Jackson, MI
Robert Klingbeil - Sheridan, MI
Valerie Lucas - Cascade, MI
Randy Wrona - Grand Rapids, MI

4th Dan - Master Instructors

Michael Asciutto - Clarkston, M
Gary Jones – China
Mike A. Wittum - Kalamazoo, MI
John Morrison - Battle Creek, MI
G.J. Fynewever - Holland, MI
Bill Spivey - Alaska
Deborah Allison - Norman, OK
Ronald Allison - Norman, OK
Bill Marshall - Mich Center, MI
Brian Dombrowski - Grand Rapids, MI
Scott Oring - Ypsilanti, MI
Timothy Vincent - Korea
Timothy Fox - Irving, TX
Terry Warmath - TN
Kerry McCarthy - Novi, MI
Steve Grace – Michigan Center, MI
William Spivey - Alaska
Aaron Scrivens
Won Hee Park - New York, NY
Dave Baterson – Jackson, MI
Larry Arthur - Jackson, MI
Michael Madden - Byron Center, MI
Susan Lofquist - Grant, MI
Robert Jones - Union City, TN Troy Eckert
James Heglund - Ada, MI
Carl Little - Lansing, MI
Wendy May - Jackson, MI
Arvind Vora - Byron Center, MI

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